Page 99 of More than Need

“Trying to convince me or you?”

Riley poured the drinks and held one out for Quinn, who shook his head. Riley shrugged and downed them both. Couldn’t hurt at this point.

“You’re still sleeping with him, aren’t you? It wasn’t something to put it to rest.”

Quinn always saw too much. Not always the right thing, but he saw, nonetheless. Riley had warned Sebastian years ago that Quinn wouldn’t sit idly by while he was lied to, that he would know something was wrong. Even young and idealistically naive Quinn had been too smart for his own good and not nearly smart enough.

Riley didn’t even have to answer the question. He wouldn’t sleep with one of his detectives to scratch an itch.

“For fuck’s sake, Riley, why?” Quinn asked, dropping heavily onto Riley’s couch. He rubbed his forehead. “Seb said there was another guy? The three of you, together?”

“Sebastian has a big mouth.”

“For years, the problem was that he didn’t,” Quinn said. Riley searched the tone for some hint of acid and didn’t find any. Whatever issues they’d had in the past, they were truly purged. It was cathartic, in a lot of ways. Their friendship felt better without secrets between them.

A strange similarity to the situation with Sadie and Dawson. A recent secret, but being in the open would allow them to work through it.

If only Dawson would deign to answer his phone so that Riley at least knew his whereabouts and his status.

“What happens when you get found out?”

“We work it out then.”

“You and I both know it won’t work that way. You’ll be fired.Gideonwill get fired. Your dad can’t shield you from that fallout.”

“And I wouldn’t ask him to,” Riley said stiffly.

“I consider Gideon a good friend, and I think he’s one hell of a guy, and in any other circumstances I’d be over the moon for you, Riley. He’s a great match for you, and he’ll never let you get away with only giving parts of yourself. But he’s not justsome guyyou met. This could end your career. In fact, itwill. You’ve worked so damn hard to get where you are. You’re only thirty, and you’re in command of an entire homicide squad. Not many can boast that.”

“I’m aware of my position.” Quinn said all of that like he didn’t know it. That he hadn’t agonised over it, turned it over in his mind. In the end, none of it mattered when it meant Gideon slept in his bed every night.

“Is this really worth that risk?” Quinn asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Yes.” Unequivocally. Nothing could convince him otherwise. It wasn’t just about getting the chance to have what he’d dreamed about for years. He’d learned things about Gideon that he’d never thought he would. He owned parts of Riley’s soul, the same way Dawson did. The three of them were creating something he wanted to hold tight.

No career could be more important than that. If it came to it, he would land on his feet. They all would. And they would still have each other.

Riley had never been a sentimental person, but in this, he would stand strong.

Quinn’s gaze held judgement but also understanding, and a warmth built from years of friendship and years of being partners and having each other’s backs. Riley trusted him with his life and with this secret. “If this is what you want, you know I support you. I still can’t help but worry you’re making a mistake. It’s not that I don’t understand risking everything for a person. Or persons. It’s just… You’re risking so much for this, Riley.” Hesighed. “You can’t be making out with him at the office anymore, alright? Or fucking him if you have. I can’t cover for you if you’re caught red-handed with your hands down his pants or his mouth on your dick.” He frowned. “Whose desk were you at when you were pulling Gideon’s pants down? It better not have been mine.”

Riley would kill Sebastian. Slowly. Or get an entire crate of coffee and force him to watch it burn. Some expensive, good stuff. Or tip it down the drain. Or burn it with scalding-hot water and make him drink it. Riley would think of a sufficient punishment.

A sharp knock at the door halted their conversation. Riley might have been grateful for that except that chances were, Gideon stood on the other side. That should really liven up the place.

“Who is that?”

“When I can see through doors, I’ll let you know.”

“Don’t lie to me. You know who it is.”

Riley wished he hadn’t finished his drinks quite so quickly. He already needed another one.

Another knock and a muffled curse. Riley froze. Not Gideon.Dawson. He’d come.

“Aren’t you going to answer it?”

“I’m thinking about it.” Leaning towards no if he were being honest. Was Dawson here to end it? Riley couldn’t blame him even if he didn’t want that.

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